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Shelled Hemp Seed

Uses

Botanical names:

Cannabis indica, Cannabis sativa

Parts Used & Where Grown

Hemp is a form of the same plant as marijuana that generally has much lower levels of the psychoactive cannabinoid compounds. The seed and seed oil have probably been used for food, cooking, and lamp oil in Asia and North Africa for millennia. Hemp is believed to come from China. The nutty seeds normally have a hard shell which has to be removed to make it edible. Today, in order to be legal in most countries, the seeds must be treated so that they cannot be planted and grown.

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For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

1 StarFor an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used for

Why

1 Star

Atherosclerosis

Refer to label instructions

Shelled hemp seed or its oil may theoretically be useful for people with atherosclerosis due to its essential fatty acid content.

Though it has not been studied, shelled hemp seed or its oil may theoretically be useful for people with atherosclerosis due to its content of essential fatty acids.3

1 Star

Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder

Refer to label instructions

Theoretically, shelled hemp seed may be useful for people with ADHD due to its essential fatty acid content.

Though it has not been studied, theoretically shelled hemp seed may be useful for people with ADHD due to its content of essential fatty acids.4, 5

1 Star

Eczema

Refer to label instructions

Theoretically shelled hemp seed or its oil may be useful for people with eczema due to its essential fatty acid content.

Though it has not been studied, theoretically shelled hemp seed or its oil may be useful for people with eczema due to its content of essential fatty acids.6

Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)

Hemp is known from archeological and historical records to have been used for a very long time for making fiber for clothing and ropes. The edible seeds and oil expressed from the seeds are noted in ancient Chinese medicine for their medicinal effects as well. Known as huo ma ren (literally "fire hemp seed"), hemp seed is used primarily for alleviating constipation as a bulk-forming laxative.1 Hemp is also mentioned in ancient Egyptian medical texts such as the Ebers papyrus as well as other places for use in making rope.2

How It Works

Botanical names:

Cannabis indica, Cannabis sativa

How It Works

Hemp seeds contain oil that is relatively rich in essential fatty acids. In particular, hemp oil is a source of both the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and the omega-6 fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). A tablespoon of seeds generally contains 3 to 4 grams of total fat, of which 70% are polyunsaturated fats and as much as 15 to 20% are ALA.7 GLA content is generally much lower at roughly 2 to 5%. ALA and GLA and other plants that contain one or both of these substances, such as flax, borage, evening primrose, and black currant, are known or strongly believed to have benefits for a variety of inflammatory conditions, atherosclerosis, and some neurological problems. However, the benefits of hemp seed for any of these issues has not been studied. Hemp also contains natural vitamin E and a significant amount of protein.8

An unidentified compound or compounds from an extract of hemp seeds has been shown to promote memory, learning, and immune function in mice.9, 10 It is believed to act by stimulating a brain enzyme known as calcineurin.

Hemp seeds contain cannabinols such as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compounds found in marijuana leaves, flowers, and seeds. The levels are generally significantly lower than those found in marijuana products, and most tests have found that volunteers fed even large amounts of shelled hemp seed or oil do not have psychological effects and do not have positive urine tests for marijuana.11, 12 However, some reports have found that some people can develop sufficient levels of THC metabolites in their urine that they would be considered to have smoked marijuana.13

How to Use It

Interactions

Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds

As the oils in hemp seed are known to inhibit platelets, anyone taking hemp seed oil with anticoagulant drugs should be aware that there is a theoretical possibility that bleeding could occur.

Interactions with Medicines

As of the last update, we found no reported interactions between this supplement and medicines. It is possible that unknown interactions exist. If you take medication, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a new supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the manufacturers' package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects

Botanical names:

Cannabis indica, Cannabis sativa

Side Effects

For most people there are no side effects, except sometimes loosening of the stool. However, some people may experience hallucinations or euphoria if they are particularly sensitive to THC or if they happen to use a brand that has somewhat higher THC levels.

The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2016.

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